RU2733801C1 - Wireless communication device and wireless communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: communication.

SUBSTANCE: electronic device is provided, which determines a first parameter corresponding to the length or duration of data to be transmitted by the electronic device; determines whether the first parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold value; controls wireless interface of electronic device for transmission of data sending request, when parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value; receiving second parameter relating to detection sensitivity or to transmission power; and determines, when the first parameter does not exceed a given threshold value, whether to send a data sending request before transmitting data based on the second parameter.

EFFECT: improved efficiency of communication in a situation in which there are multiple wireless communication devices having different sensitivity of detection or transmission power.

31 cl, 22 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention relates

The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication apparatus and a wireless communication method.

State of the art

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of wireless local area networks (LANs), represented by the IEEE 802.11 standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Additionally, the number of products supporting wireless LANs (hereinafter also referred to as "wireless communication devices") has also increased correspondingly, however, there are limitations on the wireless communication resources available for communication. Therefore, it is desirable to improve communication efficiency between wireless communication devices.

As an example of a technology for enhancing communication efficiency, a technology called virtual carrier sense is known. Specifically, a mechanism such as the "request to send" (RTS) / "clear to send" (CTS) mechanism disclosed in non-patent literature 1 is known. For example, a transmitter desiring to transmit data transmits a frame RTS to the receiving device serving as the destination of data transmission and checks if data transmission is possible. Then, when a CTS frame is received from the receiver, the transmitter determines that data transmission is allowed and starts data transmission. The wireless communication device other than the destination of the RTS frame or CTS frame sets NAV and stops data transmission during the NAV period. As a result, communication conflict is prevented and, as a consequence, communication efficiency can be improved.

Here, in Non-Patent Literature 1, an RTS frame is presented as to be transmitted when the length of data to be transmitted is greater than a predetermined threshold (URTSThreshold point).

List of literature

Non-patent literature (NPL)

NPL 1

Non-Patent Literature 1: IEEE Std 802.11-2007, IEEE Standard for Information technology-Telecommunications and information exchange between systems-Local and metropolitan area networks-Specific requirements Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications

Disclosure of the essence of the invention

Technical problem

However, in the technology disclosed in Non-Patent Literature 1, communication resources can be reduced. For example, when there are multiple wireless devices having different reception sensitivities, some wireless devices having relatively low reception sensitivity are likely to not detect signals (eg, data frames or RTS frames) transmitted from other wireless communication devices. Therefore, some wireless devices start transmitting a signal while other wireless devices are communicating, and a communication conflict may result.

Additionally, for example, when multiple wireless devices are present having different transmit powers, if the transmit power of some wireless devices is lower than the transmit power of other wireless devices, other wireless devices are likely to not detect signals (e.g., data frames or frames RTS) transmitted by other wireless devices. Therefore, other wireless devices start transmitting a signal while some wireless devices are communicating, and as a result, a communication conflict may occur.

In this regard, the present disclosure provides a mechanism capable of preventing degradation of communication performance in a situation in which there are multiple wireless communication devices having different detection sensitivities or transmit powers.

Solution

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided that determines a first parameter corresponding to a length or duration of data to be transmitted by the electronic device; determines if the first parameter exceeds a specified threshold; controls the radio interface of the electronic device to transmit a data transmission request when the parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; obtains a second parameter related to detection sensitivity or transmission power; and when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, determines whether to transmit a data transmission request before transmitting data based on the second parameter.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method performed by an electronic device, which comprises the steps of determining a first parameter corresponding to a length or duration of data to be transmitted by the electronic device; determine if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value; controls the radio interface of the electronic device to transmit a data transmission request when the parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; obtaining a second parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power; and when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold, determining whether to transmit a data transmission request before transmitting data based on the second parameter. Useful results of the invention

As described above, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a mechanism capable of preventing a decrease in communication performance in a situation in which there are multiple wireless communication devices having different detection sensitivities or transmission powers. Note that the above results are not necessarily limiting. Any other results described in the present description, or other results that can be obtained based on the present description, can be achieved with or instead of the results listed above.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a description of the receive sensitivity control technology.

FIG. 2 is a description of the receive sensitivity control technology.

FIG. 3 is a description of an example in which a communication conflict occurs when using the RX sensitivity control technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between transmit power and receive power for communication between wireless communication devices.

FIG. 5 illustrates the relationship between transmit power and receive power for communication between wireless communication devices.

FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship between transmit power and receive power for communication between wireless communication devices.

FIG. 7 is an example of virtual carrier detection using RTS and CTS.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of a schematic functional configuration of a wireless communication apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an STA data transmission process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a sequence of frames of an exemplary STA operation corresponding to the same embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example of an STA data transmission process according to a modified example of the same embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an STA data transmission process in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example of an STA data transmission process according to a modified example of the same embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an example of an STA data transmission process in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a parameter-related STA process according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a parameter-related AP process according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an STA data transmission process corresponding to a modified example of the same embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an STA data transmission process in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an STA data transmission process corresponding to a modified example of the same embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an example of a circuit configuration of a smartphone.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an example of a circuit configuration of an automobile navigation device.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an example circuit configuration of a wireless access point.

Implementation of the invention

Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment (s) of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present description and in the accompanying drawings, structural elements having substantially the same function and structure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and such structural elements will not be explained again.

Additionally, in the present description and in the drawings, a plurality of elements having substantially the same function are also distinguished in some cases by adding different letters to the same reference numeral. For example, a plurality of elements having substantially the same function are, if necessary, different from each other as STA 100A and STA 100B. However, unless it is necessary to distinguish from each other elements having substantially the same function, only the same reference numbers are assigned. For example, if it is not necessary to specifically distinguish between STA 100A and STA 100B, they are simply referred to as “STA 100”.

The description will continue in the following order.

1. Introduction

2. Device configuration

3. First embodiment (control of RTS transmission using a set parameter related to detection sensitivity).

3-1. Device functions

3-2. The sequence of the process

3-3. Application examples

3-4. Conclusion on the first embodiment

3-5. Modified example

4. Second embodiment (RTS transmission control using a set parameter related to transmission power).

4-1. Device functions

4-2. The sequence of the process

4-3. Conclusion on the second embodiment

4-4. Modified example

5. Third embodiment (control of the RTS transmission using the received parameter related to the detection sensitivity).

5-1. Device functions

5-2. The sequence of the process

5-3. Conclusion on the third embodiment

5-4. Modified example

6. Fourth embodiment (RTS transmission control using the received parameter related to transmission power).

6-1. Device functions

6-2. The sequence of the process

6-3. Conclusion on the fourth embodiment

6-4. Modified example

7. Application example

8. Conclusion

1. Introduction

First, a technology related to a wireless communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. As such technology, reception sensitivity control technology is known. The reception sensitivity control technique will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 and 2 describe the reception sensitivity control technology.

STA 10A and AP 20A serving as a wireless communication device are assumed to be in communication with STA 10B and AP 20B. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, communication between STA 10B and AP 20B may begin during communication between STA 10A and AP 20A. In this case, a communication conflict is likely to occur. For example, when the reception sensitivity at which signals within the ranges indicated by alternating dotted lines and two dots in FIG. 1 can be detected, set on each of the STA 10A and 10B, the signal transmitted from the STA 10B is likely to be detected by the STA 10A communicating. When a signal from STA 10B is detected, communication between STA 10A and AP 20A is disrupted.

In this regard, the reception sensitivity control technology has been proposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 with alternating dashed lines and two dots, STA 10A and 10B decrease their reception sensitivity below the reception sensitivity shown in FIG. 1, that is, the signal detection ranges are limited. As a result, it is unlikely that signals will be detected by STA 10A and 10B. Thus, although STA 10B starts communication while STA 10A communicates, STA 10A communication is not interrupted.

However, with the reception sensitivity control technology, the communication efficiency may decrease. The problem of reception sensitivity control technology will be described with reference to FIG. 3-6. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a link collision occurs when using the reception sensitivity control technology. FIG. 4-6 show the relationship between transmit power and receive power for communication between wireless communication devices.

Here, two STAs 10A and 10B are assumed to be in communication with the AP 20. As shown in FIG. 3, STA 10A is located at a location farther from AP 20 than STA 10B. Both STAs 10A and 10B can communicate with the AP 20. In other words, the AP 20 is within the receiving range of both STA 10A and STA 10B, as indicated in FIG. 3 lines with alternating dotted lines and two dots.

The reception sensitivities of STA 10A and STA 10B are controlled such that STA 10A and STA 10B communicate with AP 20. For example, for STA 10A, as shown in FIG. 4, when the signal detection level is increased from the reference level L1 to the level L2 at which the signal transmitted from the AP 20 can be detected, the reception sensitivity decreases. Here, the power of the signal transmitted from the AP 20 is attenuated mainly in the transmission signal path, and the power (i.e., receive power) of the signal received by the STA 10A is lower than the transmission power. However, the reception power is high enough for the STA 10A to detect a signal at the reference level L1, and further, the STA 10A can detect a signal transmitted from the AP 20 even when the signal detection level is L2. In this regard, the detection level of the STA 10A signal is increased to the L2 level, and thus the reception sensitivity is lowered to a level at which the AP 20 transmit signal can be received.

For STA 10B, as shown in FIG. 5, when the signal detection level decreases from the reference level L1 to the level L3 at which the signal transmitted from the AP 20 can be detected, the reception sensitivity is increased. In detail, the receiving power of the signal transmitted from the AP 20 is too low for the STA 10B to detect the signal at the reference level L1, and the STA 10A is unable to detect the signal transmitted from the AP 20 unless the signal detection level is near the L3 level. In this regard, the detection level of the STA 10A signal is lowered to the L3 level and thus the reception sensitivity is increased to a level at which the transmission signal of the AP 20 can be received.

Meanwhile, STA 10B is outside the receiving sensitivity range of STA 10A. For this reason, STA 10A is unable to detect a signal transmitted from STA 10B. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the receiving power of STA 10A related to the signal transmitted from STA 10B is higher than the reference level L1. However, since the detection level of the signal of STA 10A is increased to the level of L2, the signal transmitted from the STA 10B is not detected at the STA 10A.

In this situation, if a communication request occurs at STA 10A during signal transmission from STA 10B, STA 10A is unable to detect the signal transmitted from STA 10B. For this reason, the STA 10A detects that the transmission channel is free and starts transmitting the signal. As a result, a communication collision occurs, and communication for STA 10B is terminated when STA 10A begins communication. In other words, communication efficiency is likely to decline.

An example has been described above in which the reception sensitivity set in the wireless communication device is lower than the reception sensitivity set in the other wireless communication device, but the same applies when the transmission power set in the wireless communication device is higher than the transmission power another wireless device. For example, AP 20 and STA 10B whose transmission power is lower than that of STA 10A and which is closer to AP 20 than STA 10A are assumed to be in the transmission range of STA 10A. In this case, even if STA 10B and AP 20 communicate, a signal transmitted from STA 10B may not be detected at STA 10A. In this situation, when a signal is transmitted from STA 10A to AP 20, a communication collision occurs and communication for STA 10B is disrupted. In other words, the communication efficiency may decrease.

Here, the above-mentioned virtual carrier detection mechanism is known as communication collision avoidance technology. Specifically, when the virtual carrier is detected, a mechanism such as RTS / CTS is used. A typical signal flow for virtual carrier detection will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In FIG. 7 shows an example of virtual carrier detection using RTS and CTS.

The STA 10A desiring to transmit data transmits an RTS frame to the AP 20, which is the destination of the data transmission, as shown in FIG. 7. When it is possible to receive data from STA 10A, the AP 20 that received the RTS frame determines that STA 10A is allowed to transmit data and transmits the CTS frame to STA 10A. In communication devices other than AP 20 and STA 10A serving as the destination of the RTS frame or CTS frame (e.g., STA 10B), when an RTS frame or CTS frame is received, NAV is set based on the transmission period information stored in the RTS frame. or CTS, as shown in FIG. 7. STA 10B stops signal transmission in the NAV period.

As described above, the STA 10A that wishes to transmit data checks whether the message transmission can be performed before the data transmission to the AP 20 serving as the destination of the data transmission, and thus unnecessary communication due to the occurrence of a communication conflict can be prevented. ...

In this regard, the present disclosure provides a mechanism capable of testing whether a communication partner can communicate in accordance with detection sensitivity or transmission power.

2. Device configuration

Now, with reference to FIG. 8, a functional configuration of STA 100 and AP 200 serving as wireless communication devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Since the functional configurations of STA 100 and AP 200 are substantially the same, only STA 100 will be described. In FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary schematic functional configuration of a wireless communication apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 8, apparatus 100 includes a data processing unit 110, a wireless communication unit 120, a control unit 130, and a memory unit 140.

The data processing unit 100 performs a data transmission and reception process as a transmission unit and an acquisition unit. Specifically, the data processing unit 110 generates a frame based on the data transmitted from the upper communication layer, and provides the generated frame to the wireless communication apparatus 120. For example, the data processing unit 110 generates a frame (or packet) from the data and performs, for example, a process for performing adding a media access control (MAC) header for MAC control and adding an error detection code to the generated frame. Additionally, the data processing unit 110 extracts data from the received frame and supplies the extracted data to the upper communication layer. For example, the data processing unit 110 collects data by performing MAC header parsing, code error detection and correction, an ordering process, and the like on a received frame.

As part of the transmission unit and the acquisition unit, the wireless communication unit 120 performs signal processing such as modulation and demodulation of a frame, and performs transmission and reception of signals via an antenna. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 120 generates a symbol stream by encoding, interleaving and modulating a frame from the processing unit 110 in accordance with the coding and modulation schemes of the control unit 130 and the like. Then, the wireless communication unit 120 performs analog signal conversion, amplification, filtering, and upconversion of the signal frequency associated with the received symbol stream. The wireless communication unit 120 then transmits the processed signal via an antenna. Additionally, the wireless communication unit 120 obtains the symbol stream by performing a process opposite to that performed during signal transmission, such as downconverting and digital converting the signal received via the antenna. Then, the wireless communication unit 120 acquires the frame by performing demodulation, decoding, and the like. for the received symbol stream, and transmits the received frame to the data processing unit 110 or to the control unit 130.

The control unit 130 controls the communication of the STA 100 as a whole as part of the transmitting unit and the receiving unit. Specifically, the control unit 130 performs processes such as exchanging information between functional units, setting communication parameters, and scheduling a frame (or packet) in the data processing unit 110.

The memory unit 140 stores information used for the process performed by the data processing unit 110 or the control unit 130. Specifically, the memory unit 140 stores information stored in a frame, information obtained from a frame, communication parameter information, and the like.

STA 100 and AP 200 can be wired. For example, both STA 100 and AP 200 can be provided with a wired communication unit that connects to the Internet and communicates with an external device via the Internet.

3. First embodiment

Next, a wireless communication apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as "wireless communication apparatus 100 or 200") according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, an STA 100 whose detection sensitivity is controlled will be described.

3-1. Device functions

First, the functions of the STA 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

Detection sensitivity control

The detection sensitivity of the STA 100 is controlled. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the detection sensitivity corresponding to the transmission power. The detection sensitivity contains the reception sensitivity, and the parameters related to the detection sensitivity control contain the signal detection level (detection threshold). For signal detection, for example, a preamble is detected. For example, the control unit 130 decreases the signal detection level (ie, increases the detection sensitivity) as the transmit power increases. Additionally, the control unit 130 increases the signal detection level (ie, decreases the detection sensitivity) as the transmit power decreases. A parameter related to signal sensitivity control can be the energy detection level. For example, the control unit 130 controls the signal detection level associated with the received radio waves instead of or in conjunction with the signal detection level corresponding to the transmit power. Additionally, the detection sensitivity can be controlled based on other information. For example, the control unit 130 may set the detection sensitivity indicated by setting the information received from the AP 200. Additionally, instead of the transmission power, information that varies according to the transmission power may be used. For example, the control unit 130 can control the detection sensitivity in accordance with the residual amount of battery power provided by the STA 100.

RTS transmission control

The STA 100 controls the transmission of the first signal associated with confirming whether transmission is possible or not. Specifically, when a data transmission request is generated, the control unit 130 determines whether the first signal is transmitted based on the data length. For example, when data is provided together with a data transmission request from an upper communication layer, the control unit 130 determines whether an RTS frame is transmitted according to whether the data length or size is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Additionally, the control unit 130 controls the transmission of the first signal based on a parameter related to the detection sensitivity. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the transmission of the RTS frame based on a parameter related to the detection sensitivity set in the STA 100 (hereinafter also referred to as “the set parameter related to the detection sensitivity”). For example, when the length of the data associated with the data transmission request is less than a predetermined threshold and the signal detection level set at the STA 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 130 decides that an RTS frame has been transmitted.

The threshold value of the data length and the threshold value of the parameter associated with the detection sensitivity are stored in the storage unit 140 in advance. Threshold values can be obtained from an external device via communication. Details will be described in the third and fourth embodiments.

3-2. The sequence of the process

Next, the transmission process of the STA 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In FIG. 9 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an STA data transmission process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

STA 100 determines whether a data transmission request has been generated (step S301). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether a notification indicating a data transmission request has been given from the upper communication layer.

When it is determined that a data transmission request is to be generated (Yes in step S301), the STA 100 acquires the data (step S302). Specifically, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to obtain data from the transmission buffer provided with the data transmission request.

Then, STA 100 determines whether the data length is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S303). Specifically, the data processing unit 110 calculates the length of the received data, and the control unit 130 determines whether the calculated data length is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

When it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold (No in step S303), the STA 100 obtains a set parameter related to the detection sensitivity (step S304). Specifically, when it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold value, the control unit 130 acquires the signal or energy detection level set in the STA 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the “set detection level”).

Then, the STA 100 determines whether the set parameter associated with the detection sensitivity is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S305). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether the set detection level is equal to or greater than a pre-stored threshold value.

When it is determined that the data length is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S303), or when it is determined that the set parameter associated with the detection sensitivity is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S305), the STA 100 transmits an RTS frame ( step S306). Specifically, when the length of the data associated with the transmission is equal to or greater than the threshold value, or when the set detection level is equal to or greater than the threshold value stored in advance, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate an RTS frame addressed to the data transmission destination (for example , AR 200). Then, the wireless communication unit 120 transmits the generated RTS frame.

Then, the STA 100 determines whether a CTS frame has been received (step S307). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether a CTS frame serving as a response to the RTS frame is received from the destination of the RTS frame.

When it is determined that the set parameter associated with the detection sensitivity is less than the threshold (No in step S305), or when it is determined that the CTS frame is to be received (Yes in step S307), the STA 100 transmits the data frame (step S308). Specifically, when the set detection level is found to be less than a pre-stored threshold, or when a CTS frame serving as a response to a transmitted RTS frame is received, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a data frame in which data related to the request is stored. data transmission. The wireless communication unit 120 then transmits the generated data frame.

3-3. Order of operations

Next, referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary flow of STA 100 will be described. In FIG. 10 is a sequence of frames of an exemplary order of STA operations according to the present embodiment. Here, a description will be given by an example in which a data transmission request is generated at the STA 100A during communication between the STA 100B and the AP 200.

STA 100B starts transmitting a data frame to AP 200 as shown in FIG. 10. The AP 200 receives the data frame transmitted from the STA 100 V. On the other hand, since the detection sensitivity decreases, the STA 100A does not receive the data frame transmitted from the STA 100 V. The data frame may be an aggregated MAC protocol. data unit, AMPDU).

When a data transmission request is generated, STA 100A determines whether an RTS frame has been transmitted based on a set parameter related to data length and detection sensitivity (eg, signal detection level). Here, since the detection sensitivity is lowered, the STA 100A transmits an RTS frame although the data length is less than the threshold.

However, since the AP 200 communicates with the STA 100B, the AP 200 does not receive the RTS frame transmitted from the STA 100A. For this reason, the CTS frame is not transmitted from the AP 200 and the STA 100A does not receive the CTS frame. In other words, the STA 100A is forced to standby until the AP 200 ends communication.

When the transmission of the data frame from the STA 100B is completed, the AP 200 transmits an ACK frame to the STA 100B. On the other hand, STA 100A that has not received the CTS frame retransmits the RTS frame. When the ACK frame is received from the AP 200, the STA 100A may retransmit the RTS frame based on the reception of the ACK frame.

Since communication with STA 100B is ended, AP 200 receives an RTS frame transmitted from STA 100A and transmits a CTS frame to STA 100A. When the CTS frame is received, STA 100A starts transmitting the data frame.

3-4. Conclusion on the first embodiment

As described above, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless communication device 100 acquires a parameter related to the detection sensitivity and transmits a first signal related to the transmission capability confirmation based on the obtained parameter. Here, when the detection sensitivity is lowered, it is unlikely that signals transmitted from other wireless communication devices will be detected. Therefore, it is difficult to detect communication between its own communication partner and another wireless communication device. As a result, data transmission to the communication partner can be initiated. Consequently, a communication conflict occurs, and communication efficiency may decrease. On the other hand, according to the wireless communication device 100 according to the present embodiment, by confirming the transmission capability corresponding to the detection sensitivity when the wireless communication devices have different detection sensitivity, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication collision. Therefore, the communication efficiency can be prevented from decreasing in a situation where there are many wireless communication devices having different detection sensitivities. In particular, when the detection sensitivity is changed, the certainty of preventing communication collision can be increased while increasing the utilization rate of the wireless communication resource space.

Additionally, the parameters contain a parameter set in the wireless device 100. For this reason, the transmission of the first signal can only be controlled through the information contained in the wireless communication device 100. Therefore, the overhead of the transmission control of the first signal can be prevented from increasing.

The wireless communication device 100 then transmits the first signal when the parameter associated with the detection sensitivity is equal to or greater than a threshold value. For this reason, the first signal is transmitted only when the detection sensitivity is at or below a predetermined level, and it is possible to prevent the transmission frequency of the first signal from being excessively increased. Therefore, the transmission frequency of the first signal is optimized and the load on the communication process or the used communication resources can be reduced.

Additionally, the parameters associated with the detection sensitivity comprise at least a signal detection threshold or an energy detection threshold. Therefore, by controlling the transmission of the first signal in accordance with the signal detection threshold, communication collision can be prevented. Additionally, by controlling the transmission of the first signal in accordance with the energy detection threshold, it is possible to prevent data transmission disruptions due to radio waves not associated with the signal.

Additionally, the first signal contains an RTS frame. For this reason, it is possible to use the well-known RTS / CTS mechanism to check if transmission is possible. Therefore, the implementation of the wireless communication device 100 can be simplified.

Additionally, the wireless communication apparatus 100 transmits an RTS frame based on the length of the data to be transmitted and the parameter mentioned above. Therefore, by adding the condition of using the parameter related to the detection sensitivity to the known transmission condition of the RTS frame, the transmission control of the RTS frame can be realized more easily than when the transmission control of the RTS frame is performed individually for each condition.

3-5. Modified example

The first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The present embodiment is not limited to the above example. A modified example of the present embodiment will be described below.

As a modified example of the present embodiment, the wireless communication apparatus 100 may control the transmission of the first signal based on information other than the parameter value associated with the detection sensitivity. Specifically, the control unit 130 transmits the first signal based on a parameter change related to the detection sensitivity. For example, the control unit 130 controls the transmission of the RTS frame based on the change from the reference signal detection level. Additionally, the process of the present modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In FIG. 11 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a data transmission process of an STA 100 in accordance with a modified example of the present embodiment. Processes that are essentially the same as those described above are not described.

When a data transmission request is generated (Yes in step S311), the STA 100 acquires data (step S312). Then, the STA 100 determines whether the data length is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S313).

When it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold value (No in step S313), the STA 100 acquires the set parameter related to the detection sensitivity (step S314) and determines whether the set parameter related to the detection sensitivity is changed so that the detection sensitivity is decreased ( step S315). Specifically, the control unit 130 acquires the set detection level and determines whether the acquired set detection level is changed to be higher than the reference level.

When it is determined that the set parameter related to the detection sensitivity is changed so that the detection sensitivity has decreased (Yes in step S315), the STA transmits an RTS frame (step S316). Specifically, when it is determined that the set detection level has been changed to a value higher than the reference level, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate an RTS frame for transmission to the data transmission destination. Then, the wireless communication unit 120 transmits the generated RTS frame.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the set parameter related to the detection sensitivity is not changed or the set parameter related to the detection sensitivity is to be changed so that the detection sensitivity is increased (No in step S315), the STA 100 transmits the data frame without transmitting the RTS frame (step S318). Specifically, when it is determined that the set detection level is not changed from the reference level or changed to a value below the reference level, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a data frame to be transmitted to the data transmission destination. The wireless communication unit 120 then transmits the generated data frame.

Thus, in accordance with a modified example of the present embodiment, the wireless communication apparatus 100 transmits the first signal based on a change in a parameter related to the detection sensitivity. For this reason, it is possible to control the transmission of the first signal without setting a threshold value for a parameter related to the detection sensitivity. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of information associated with the transmission control of the first signal and reduce the amount of overhead in the transmission control of the first signal.

4. Second embodiment

Next, a wireless communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, an STA 100 whose transmission power is controlled will be described.

4-1. Device functions

First, the functions of the STA 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Descriptions of functions which are substantially the same as those described in the first embodiment are omitted.

Transmit power control

STA 100 controls transmission power. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the transmission power in accordance with the detection sensitivity. The parameter associated with the transmission power control is the transmission power value. For example, control unit 130 increases the transmit power value with increasing detection sensitivity. Additionally, the control unit 130 decreases the transmit power value with decreasing detection sensitivity.

RTS transmission control

The STA 100 controls the transmission of the first signal based on a parameter related to the transmission power. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the transmission of the RTS frame based on a transmission power related parameter set in the STA 100 (hereinafter also referred to as “transmission power related parameter”). For example, when the length of the data associated with the data transmission request is less than a predetermined threshold and the transmission power value set in the STA 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "transmission power set value") is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 130 decides that the RTS frame has been transmitted.

The threshold value of the parameter related to the transmission power is stored in the storage unit 140 in advance. The threshold value can be obtained from an external device via communication. Details will be described in the third and fourth embodiments.

4-2. The sequence of the process

Next, the transmission process of the STA 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. In FIG. 12 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a communication process performed by STA 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Processes that are essentially the same as those described above are not described.

When a data transmission request is generated (Yes in step S321), the STA 100 acquires data (step S322). Then STA 100 determines whether the length of the received data is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S323).

When it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold value (No in step S323), the STA 100 obtains a set parameter related to the transmission power (step S324). Specifically, the control unit 130 acquires the transmission power value from the storage unit 140 to the STA 100.

Then, the STA 100 determines whether the set parameter associated with the transmission power is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S325). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether the transmission power set value is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

When it is determined that the set parameter related to the transmission power is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S325), the STA transmits an RTS frame (step S326). Specifically, when the set transmission power value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 140 to generate an RTS frame. Then, the wireless communication unit 120 transmits the generated RTS frame.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the set parameter related to the transmission power is less than the threshold (No in step S325), the STA 100 transmits the data frame without transmitting the RTS frame (step S328). Specifically, when it is determined that the transmission power set value is less than the threshold value, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 140 to generate a frame to be transmitted to the data transmission destination. The wireless communication unit 120 then transmits the generated data frame.

4-3. Conclusion on the second embodiment

As described above, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless communication device 100 acquires a parameter related to transmission power and transmits a first transmission capability related signal based on the obtained parameter. In general, as the transmission power increases, the communication range that the transmitted signal reaches increases. Thus, the transmitted signal is likely to conflict with a communication signal by another wireless communication device. As a result, communication efficiency may decrease. On the other hand, according to the wireless communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the transmission capability at the corresponding transmission power is confirmed, and thus, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication collisions when the wireless communication devices have different transmission powers. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the communication efficiency in a situation where there are many wireless communication devices having different transmission powers. In particular, when the transmission power is changed, the certainty of preventing communication collision can be improved while increasing the utilization rate of the wireless communication resource space.

Additionally, the wireless communication device 100 transmits the first signal when the parameter associated with the transmission power is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Therefore, since the first signal is transmitted only when the transmission power is at a predetermined level or higher, it is possible to prevent the transmission frequency of the first signal from being excessively increased. Therefore, by optimizing the transmission frequency of the first signal, it is possible to reduce the load on the communication process or the used communication resources.

4-4. Modified example

The second embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The present embodiment is not limited to the above example. A modified example of the present embodiment will be described below.

As a modified example of the present embodiment, the wireless communication apparatus 100 may control the transmission of the first signal based on a parameter related to transmission power, assuming correlation control of transmission power and detection sensitivity. Specifically, the control unit 130 correlates a parameter related to the transmission power and a parameter related to the detection sensitivity, and controls the transmission of the first signal based on a plurality of threshold values for the parameter related to the transmission power. The process of the present modified example will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a data transmission process of STA 100 according to a modified example of the present embodiment. Processes that are essentially the same as those described above are not described.

After the process shown in steps S331 to S333 has been executed, when it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold value (NO in step S333), the STA 100 acquires the set parameter related to the transmission power (step S334) and determines whether or greater than the first threshold, a set parameter related to the transmission power (step S335). Specifically, the control unit 130 acquires a threshold value corresponding to the threshold value of the transmission power used in the second embodiment as the first threshold value, and determines whether the set value of the transmission power is equal to or greater than the obtained first threshold value.

When it is determined that the set parameter associated with transmission power is less than the first threshold value (No in step S335), the STA 100 determines whether the set parameter associated with transmission power is less than the second threshold value (step S336). Specifically, the control unit 130 acquires a threshold value corresponding to the transmission power value set so as to correspond to the detection sensitivity threshold value used in the first embodiment as the second threshold value, and determines whether the transmission power set value is less than the obtained second threshold value. For this reason, the transmit power is usually set so that it decreases with decreasing detection sensitivity and increases with increasing detection sensitivity.

When it is determined that the set parameter associated with the transmission power is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (Yes in step S335), or when it is determined that the set parameter associated with the transmission power is less than the second threshold value (Yes in step S336), STA 100 transmits an RTS frame (step S337). On the other hand, when it is determined that the set parameter associated with the transmission power is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (No in step S336), the STA 100 transmits a data frame without transmitting an RTS frame (step S339).

As described above, in accordance with a modified example of the present embodiment, changing a parameter related to transmission power comprises correlatively changing a parameter related to detection sensitivity and a parameter related to transmission power, and the wireless communication apparatus 100 transmits a first signal based on a plurality of parameter thresholds related to transmission power. Therefore, control corresponding to the transmission control of the first signal based on the parameter related to the detection sensitivity can be performed using only the parameter related to the transmission power. Accordingly, the amount of information used to control transmission of the first signal and the amount of control overhead can be reduced. Instead of a parameter related to transmit power, transmission of the first signal can be controlled using multiple thresholds for a parameter related to detection sensitivity.

5. Third embodiment

Next, wireless communication apparatuses 100 and 200 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, an STA 100 whose detection sensitivity is controlled and an AP 200 that gives a notification indicating information such as a parameter related to the detection sensitivity of the STA 100 will be described.

5-1. Device functions

STA functions

First, the functions of the STA 100 corresponding to the present embodiment will be described. Descriptions of functions which are substantially the same as those described in the first and second embodiments are omitted.

Setting a threshold value for a parameter related to detection sensitivity

STA 100 sets a threshold value for a parameter related to detection sensitivity. Specifically, the control unit 130 sets, as the threshold value of the STA 100, the threshold value of the parameter related to the detection sensitivity obtained from the other wireless communication device. For example, the wireless communication unit 120 receives a threshold notification frame (which will be described later) transmitted from the AP 200, and the data processing unit 110 obtains the threshold value of the signal detection level from the threshold notification frame. Then, the control unit 130 sets the obtained threshold value as the threshold value of the detection level of the STA 100 signal.

Get a parameter related to the sensitivity of detecting a neighboring device

STA 100 obtains a parameter related to the detection sensitivity of another wireless communication device. Specifically, the control unit 130 acquires a detection sensitivity related parameter received from another wireless communication device (hereinafter also referred to as “received detection sensitivity related parameter”). For example, the wireless communication unit 120 receives a signal storing a parameter related to the detection sensitivity transmitted from the AP 200. Then, the processing unit 110 obtains a parameter related to the detection sensitivity from the received signal and transmits the obtained parameter to the control unit 130.

RTS transmission control

The STA 100 controls the transmission of the first signal based on a parameter related to the detection sensitivity of the other STA 100 received via communication. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls transmission of the RTS frame based on the detection level of the signal received from the AP 200 or the level set to the other STA 100. For example, when the received detection level of the other STA signal is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 130 decides that the RTS frame transferred.

Passing a parameter related to detection sensitivity

The STA 100 notifies other wireless communication devices of the parameter related to the detection sensitivity that is set therein. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls transmission of a signal having information indicating a parameter related to the detection sensitivity set to the STA 100. For example, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to periodically generate a frame storing the parameter related to the detection sensitivity, and which is addressed to the AP 200 (hereinafter referred to as "parameter notification frame"). The wireless communication unit 120 then transmits the generated parameter notification frame. The parameter notification frame can be addressed to another STA 100.

STA functions

Next, the functions of the AP 200 corresponding to the present embodiment will be described.

Collecting parameters related to detection sensitivity

The AP 200 collects parameters of other wireless communication devices related to detection sensitivity. Specifically, the processing unit 210 causes the storage unit 240 to store a parameter related to the detection sensitivity obtained from the signal received through the wireless communication unit 220. For example, the wireless communication unit 220 receives a parameter notification frame received from the STA 100. The data processing unit 210 obtains from the received parameter notification frame a parameter related to the detection sensitivity and stores the obtained parameter in a storage unit 240.

Passing a parameter related to detection sensitivity

The AP 200 notifies the STA 100 of the collected parameters related to the detection sensitivity. Specifically, the control unit 230 controls the transmission of a frame having a parameter associated with a detection sensitivity stored in a memory unit 240 (hereinafter referred to as a “parameter allocation frame”). For example, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to periodically generate a parameter allocation frame having a parameter related to the detection sensitivity stored in the memory unit 240. The wireless communication unit 220 then transmits the generated parameter allocation frame.

Passing a threshold value for a parameter associated with detection sensitivity

The AP 200 notifies the STA 100 of the threshold value of the parameter associated with the detection sensitivity. Specifically, the control unit 230 controls the transmission of a frame having information indicating a threshold value of each parameter related to the detection sensitivity to be set in each STA 100 (hereinafter referred to as “threshold notification frame”). For example, control unit 230 causes data processing unit 210 to periodically generate a threshold notification frame having each of pieces of information indicating parameters related to detection sensitivity to be set on each STA 100. The wireless communication unit 220 then transmits the generated notification frame threshold value. As the threshold notification frame, there is a control frame such as a beacon frame or a data frame.

5-2. The sequence of the process

Data transfer process

Next, a data transmission process for STA 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. In FIG. 14 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a data transmission process for an STA according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Processes that are essentially the same as those described above are not described.

After the process of steps S341-S343 is performed, when it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold (No in step S343), the STA 100 determines whether a parameter related to the detection sensitivity has been received from the other wireless communication device (step S344). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether a parameter allocation frame is received from the AP 200, and obtains a signal detection level of another neighboring STA 100.

When it is determined that the parameter related to the detection sensitivity is received from another wireless communication device (Yes in step S344), the STA 100 determines whether the received parameter related to the detection sensitivity is less than the threshold level (step S345). Specifically, when it is determined that the signal detection level of the other STA 100 is obtained, the control unit 130 determines whether the acquired signal detection level is less than the threshold level.

When it is determined that the received parameter related to the detection sensitivity is less than the threshold (Yes in step S345), the STA 100 transmits an RTS frame (step S346). On the other hand, when it is determined that the parameter related to the detection sensitivity is not received (No in step S344), or when it is determined that the received parameter related to the detection sensitivity is less than the threshold value (No in step S345), the STA 100 transmits a data frame without transmitting an RTS frame (step S348).

Parameter-related process for STA

Next, referring to FIG. 15, the parameter-related process for STA 100 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a parameter-related process for an STA according to the present embodiment.

When it is determined that the transmission timing of the parameter notification frame has arrived (Yes in step S401), the STA 100 transmits the parameter notification frame (step S402). Specifically, when the transmission time of a parameter notification frame that is periodically arrives, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a parameter notification frame having a parameter related to the detection sensitivity set in the STA 100. Then, the wireless communication unit 120 transmits the generated parameter notification frame.

Then, the STA 100 determines whether a parameter allocation frame is received from the other wireless communication device (step S403). More specifically, the data processing unit 110 determines whether a parameter allocation frame has been received from the AP 200 via the wireless communication unit 120.

When it is determined that a parameter allocation frame has been received from another wireless communication device (Yes in step S403), the STA 100 stores the received parameter (step S404). Specifically, the data processing unit 110 obtains from the parameter allocation frame received through the wireless communication unit 120 a parameter related to the detection sensitivity, and stores the obtained parameter related to the detection sensitivity in the storage unit 140.

Then, the STA 100 determines whether or not a threshold notification frame has been received from the other wireless communication device (step S405). More specifically, the processing unit 110 determines whether a threshold notification frame transmitted from the AP 200 is received via the wireless communication unit 120.

When it is determined that a threshold notification frame is received from the other wireless communication device (Yes in step S405), the STA 100 sets the threshold value (step S406). Specifically, the data processing unit 110 obtains a threshold value of a parameter related to the detection sensitivity from the threshold notification frame received through the wireless communication unit 120, and the control unit 130 sets the obtained threshold value as the threshold value of a parameter related to the detection sensitivity of the STA 100 ...

AP process associated with parameter

Next, a parameter related process for the AP 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. In FIG. 16 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an AP 200 process associated with the present embodiment.

The AP 200 determines whether a parameter notification frame has been received from another wireless communication device (step S501). More specifically, the data processing unit 210 determines whether a parameter notification frame has been received from the AP 200 via the wireless communication unit 220.

When it is determined that a parameter notification frame has been received from another wireless communication device (Yes in step S501), the AP 200 stores the received parameter (step S502). Specifically, the data processing unit 210 acquires a parameter related to the detection sensitivity from the received parameter notification frame, and stores the obtained parameter related to the detection sensitivity in the storage unit 240.

Then, the AP 200 determines whether it is time to transmit the parameter allocation frame (step S503). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether the transmission time of the parameter allocation frame has arrived periodically.

When it is determined that the transmission time of the parameter allocation frame has arrived (YES in step S503), the AP 200 determines whether at least one received parameter is stored (step S504). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether at least one received parameter associated with the detection sensitivity is stored in the memory unit 240.

When it is determined that at least one received parameter is stored (Yes in step S504), the AP 200 transmits a parameter allocation frame (step S505). Specifically, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate a parameter allocation frame having a stored received parameter associated with the detection sensitivity. The wireless communication unit 220 then transmits the generated parameter allocation frame.

Then, the AP 200 determines whether the transmission time of the threshold notification frame has arrived (step S506). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether it is time to transmit the periodically arriving threshold notification frame.

When it is determined that the transmission time of the threshold notification frame has arrived (Yes in step S506), the AP 200 transmits the threshold notification frame (step S507). Specifically, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate a threshold notification frame in which each threshold value to be set in each STA 100 is stored. The wireless communication unit 220 then transmits the generated threshold notification frame.

In the above example, the parameter distribution frame and the threshold notification frame are described as different frames, but they may be the same frame.

5-3. Conclusion on the third embodiment

Thus, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the parameters associated with the detection sensitivity comprise parameters received from other wireless communication devices other than the wireless communication device 100. Here, even when the detection sensitivity of the wireless communication device 100 does not change, if the detection sensitivity of the other wireless communication device changes, then the relative relationship of the detection sensitivity between the wireless communication devices also changes. In this regard, by controlling the transmission of the first signal corresponding to a parameter related to the detection sensitivity received from the other wireless communication device, it is possible to adapt the transmission control of the first signal to change the relative ratio of the detection sensitivity. Therefore, communication conflict can be more easily prevented.

Additionally, the wireless communication device 100 transmits the first signal when the parameter associated with the detection sensitivity received from the other wireless communication device is less than a threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to cause the first signal to be transmitted only when the detection sensitivity of the other wireless communication device is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, that is, when there is a possibility that the detection sensitivity of the wireless communication device 100 is somewhat relatively lower than that of the other wireless communication device. Accordingly, the transmission frequency of the first signal can be prevented from being excessively increased.

Additionally, the wireless communication device 100 transmits a signal having information indicating a parameter related to the detection sensitivity set on the wireless communication device 100. Therefore, it is possible to provide other neighboring wireless communication devices with a notification indicating a parameter related to the detection sensitivity of the wireless communication device 100. Accordingly, it is possible to cause other wireless communication devices to act like the wireless communication device 100, that is, to cause the first signal to be transmitted based on a parameter related to the detection sensitivity of the wireless communication device 100.

The parameter threshold value for transmitting the first signal comprises a threshold value received from another wireless communication device other than the wireless communication device 100. Therefore, it is possible to control the transmission of the first signal through the device (for example, AP 200) transmitting the parameter threshold value. Accordingly, it is possible to optimize the detection sensitivity in accordance with the wireless communication environment and improve the efficiency of the use of communication resources.

5-4. Modified example

The third embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The present embodiment is not limited to the above example. A modified example of the present embodiment will be described below.

As a modified example of the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 100 can control transmission of the first signal based on its own detection sensitivity and the detection sensitivity of the other wireless communication device. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls transmission of the first signal based on a parameter related to the detection sensitivity set on the wireless communication device 100 and a parameter related to the detection sensitivity received from a different wireless communication device than the wireless communication device 100. For example, the control unit 130 transmits the first signal when the difference between the parameter related to the detection sensitivity set on the wireless communication device 100 and the parameter related to the detection sensitivity received from the other wireless communication device is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Additionally, a process flow of the present modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 17. In FIG. 17 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a data transmission process of an STA 100 corresponding to a modified example of the present embodiment. Processes that are essentially the same as those described above are not described.

After the process of steps S351-S353 is performed, when it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold value (No in step S353), the STA 100 determines whether a parameter related to the detection sensitivity has been received from another STA (step S354).

When it is detected that a parameter related to the detection sensitivity has been received from another STA (Yes in step S354), the STA 100 obtains the difference between the set parameter and the received parameter (step S355). Specifically, the control unit 130 calculates the difference between the signal detection level received from the other wireless communication device and the signal detection level set in the STA 100.

Then, STA 100 determines whether the resulting difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S356). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether the difference between the calculated signal detection levels is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

When it is determined that the parameter related to the detection sensitivity has not been received from another STA (No in step S354), or when it is determined that the obtained difference is less than the threshold value (No in step S356), the STA 100 determines whether it is equal to or greater than the threshold value a set parameter related to the detection sensitivity (step S357). More specifically, when the difference in the calculated detection signal levels is less than the threshold value, the control unit 130 further determines whether the detection level of the STA 100 signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

When it is determined that the obtained difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S356), or when it is determined that the set parameter associated with the detection sensitivity is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S357), the STA 100 transmits an RTS frame (step S358). On the other hand, when it is determined that the set parameter related to the detection sensitivity is less than the threshold (No in step S357), the STA 100 transmits the data frame without transmitting the RTS frame (step S360).

As described above, according to a modified example of the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 100 transmits a first signal based on a parameter related to the detection sensitivity set on the wireless communication device 100 and a parameter related to the detection sensitivity received from the other wireless communication device. different from the wireless communication device 100. Therefore, even when at least one of the parameters related to the detection sensitivity of the wireless communication device 100 or other wireless communication device changes, it is possible to detect the change in the relative ratio of the detection sensitivity. Accordingly, it is possible to more accurately adapt the control of the transmission of the first signal to a change in the relative ratio of the detection sensitivity.

The wireless communication device 100 transmits the first signal when the difference between the parameter related to the detection sensitivity set on the wireless communication device 100 and the parameter related to the detection sensitivity received from the other wireless communication device is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to cause the first signal to be transmitted only if a predetermined level difference or more occurs for the detection sensitivity. Accordingly, the transmission frequency of the first signal can be optimized.

6. Fourth embodiment

Next, wireless communication apparatuses 100 and 200 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, an STA 100, whose transmission power is controlled, and an AP 200, which provides a notification indicating information such as parameters related to the transmission power of another STA 100, will be described.

6-1. Device functions

STA functions

First, the functions of the STA 100 corresponding to the present embodiment will be described. Descriptions of functions which are essentially the same as those described in the first to third embodiments are omitted.

Setting a threshold value for a parameter related to transmit power

STA 100 sets a threshold value for a parameter related to transmission power. Specifically, the control unit 130 sets the threshold value of the parameter related to the transmission power received from the other wireless communication device as the threshold value STA 100. For example, the data processing unit 110 obtains the threshold value of the transmission power from the threshold value notification frame received from the device 120 wireless. Then, the control unit 130 sets the acquired threshold value as the threshold value of the transmission power of the STA 100.

Obtaining a parameter related to the transmit power of a neighboring device

The STA 100 obtains a parameter related to the transmit power of another wireless communication device. Specifically, the control unit 130 acquires a transmission power related parameter received from another wireless communication device (hereinafter also referred to as "received transmission power related parameter"). For example, the data processing unit 110 obtains a parameter related to the transmission power from the parameter allocation frame received through the wireless communication unit 120 and transmits the obtained parameter to the control unit 130.

RTS transmission control

The STA 100 controls the transmission of the first signal based on a parameter related to the transmission power of the other STA 100 received via communication. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the transmission of the RTS frame based on the transmission power related parameter received from the AP 200 set to the other STA 100 (hereinafter also referred to as “received transmission power related parameter”). For example, when the received transmit power value of the other STA is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 130 judges that the RTS frame has been transmitted.

Passing a parameter related to transmit power

The STA 100 notifies the other wireless communication device of the transmission power-related parameter that is set therein. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls transmission of a signal having information indicating a parameter related to the transmission power set to the STA 100. For example, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to periodically generate a parameter notification frame storing the power related parameter and which is addressed to the AP 200. The wireless communication unit 120 then transmits the generated parameter notification frame.

AR functions

Since the functions of the AP 200 according to the present embodiment are substantially the same as those of the AP 200 according to the third embodiment when the detection sensitivity is replaced by the transmission power, no description will be given.

6-2. The sequence of the process

Next, a data transmission process for STA 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 18. In FIG. 18 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an STA 100 process according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Processes that are essentially the same as those described above are not described.

After the process of steps S361-S363 is performed, when it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold value (No in step S363), the STA 100 determines whether a parameter related to transmission power is received from another wireless communication device (step S364). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether a parameter allocation frame is received from the AP 200, and obtains a transmission power value of another neighboring STA 100.

When it is determined that the parameter associated with the transmission power is received from another wireless communication device (Yes in step S364), the STA 100 determines whether the received parameter associated with the transmission power is less than the threshold value (step S365). Specifically, when it is determined that the transmission power value of the other STA 100 is received, the control unit 130 determines whether the acquired transmission power value is less than the threshold value.

When it is determined that the received parameter related to the transmission power is less than the threshold (Yes in step S365), the STA 100 transmits an RTS frame (step S366). On the other hand, when it is determined that the parameter related to the transmission power has not been received (No in step S364), or when it is determined that the received parameter related to the transmission power is equal to or greater than the threshold value (No in step S365), the STA 100 transmits a data frame without transmitting an RTS frame (step S368).

6-3. Conclusion on the fourth embodiment

As described above, in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, parameters related to transmission power comprise a parameter received from another wireless communication device other than wireless communication device 100. Similar to the case of the detection sensitivity, when the transmission power of another wireless communication device changes, the relative ratio of the transmission power between the wireless communication devices may change. Therefore, by controlling the transmission of the first signal corresponding to the parameter related to the transmission power received from the other wireless communication device, it is possible to adapt the transmission control of the first signal to change the relative transmission power ratio. Therefore, communication conflict can be more easily prevented.

Additionally, the wireless communication device 100 transmits the first signal when the parameter associated with the transmission power received from the other wireless communication device is less than a threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to cause the first signal to be transmitted only when the transmission power of the other wireless communication device is less than a predetermined level, that is, when there is a possibility that the transmission power of the wireless communication device 100 is in a predetermined degree relatively higher than the transmission power of the other wireless communication device. Therefore, the transmission frequency of the first signal can be prevented from becoming too high.

6-4. Modified example

The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The present embodiment is not limited to the above example. A modified example of the present embodiment will be described below.

As a modified example of the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 100 may control the transmission of the first signal based on its ownership of the transmission power and the transmission power of the other wireless communication device. Specifically, when the difference between the parameter related to the transmission power set in the wireless communication device 100 and the parameter related to the transmission power received from the other wireless communication device is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 130 transmits the first signal. Additionally, the process of the present modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a data transmission process of an STA 100 according to a modified example of the present embodiment. Processes that are essentially the same as those described above are not described.

After the process of steps S371 to S373 is performed, when it is determined that the data length is less than the threshold value (No in step S373), the STA 100 determines whether a parameter related to transmission power has been received from another STA (step S374).

When it is determined that a parameter related to the transmission power has been received from another STA (Yes in step S374), the STA 100 acquires the difference between the set parameter and the received parameter (step S375). Specifically, the control unit 130 calculates the difference between the transmission power value received from the other wireless communication device and the transmission power value set in the STA 100.

Then, STA 100 determines whether the resulting difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S376). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether the difference between the calculated transmission power values is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

When it is determined that the parameter related to the transmission power has not been received from another STA (NO in step S374), or when it is determined that the obtained difference is less than the threshold value (NO in step S376), the STA 100 determines whether it is equal to or greater than the threshold value a set parameter related to the transmission power (step S357). Specifically, when the difference in the calculated transmission power values is less than the threshold value, the control unit 130 further determines whether the transmission power value of the STA 100 is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

When it is determined that the obtained difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S376), or when it is determined that the set parameter associated with the transmission power is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes in step S377), the STA 100 transmits an RTS frame (step S378). On the other hand, when it is determined that the set parameter related to the transmission power is less than the threshold value (No in step S377), the STA 100 transmits the data frame without transmitting the RTS frame (step S380).

As described above, in accordance with a modified example of the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 100 transmits a first signal based on the transmission power related parameter set on the wireless communication device 100 and the transmission power related parameter received from the other wireless communication device different from the wireless communication device 100. Therefore, even when at least one of the parameters associated with the transmission power of the wireless communication device 100 or other wireless communication device is changed, the change can be detected from the relative ratio of the transmission power. Accordingly, it is possible to more accurately adapt the transmission control of the first signal to a change in the relative transmission power ratio.

Additionally, the wireless communication device 100 transmits the first signal when the difference between the parameter related to the transmission power set on the wireless communication device 100 and the parameter related to the transmission power received from the other wireless communication device is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to cause the first signal to be transmitted only when a predetermined level difference or more occurs for the transmission power. Accordingly, the transmission frequency of the first signal can be optimized.

7. Application examples

The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to a variety of articles. For example, device 100 can be implemented as mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), laptops, portable gaming terminals or digital cameras, fixed terminals such as television receivers, printers, digital scanners, or network storage devices, or as onboard terminals such as car navigation devices. Additionally, the device 100 may be implemented as terminals for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication (also referred to as machine-type communication (MTC) terminals), such as smart meters, vending machines, devices remote control or point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Additionally, the wireless communication device 100 can be a wireless communication module mounted in such terminals (eg, single chip modular circuits).

For example, the wireless communication device 200 may be implemented as a wireless LAN access point (which is also referred to as a wireless base station) that does not have a router function or has a router function. The wireless communication device 200 can be implemented as a mobile wireless LAN router. Additionally, the wireless communication device 200 can be a wireless communication module mounted in such devices (eg, single chip modular circuits).

7-1. First application example

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an exemplary circuit configuration of a smartphone 900 to which the technology of the present disclosure may be applied. The smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a memory 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, a display 910, a loudspeaker 911, a radio interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, a bus 917, 918 battery and 919 auxiliary controller.

The processor 901 can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a single-chip system (SoC) and control functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900. Memory 902 contains random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (read only memory, ROM) and stores programs executed by processor 901 and data. The memory device 903 may include a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting an external device, such as a memory card or universal serial bus (USB) device, to a smartphone 900.

The camera 906 contains an image sensor such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor element (CMOS) to form the acquired images. Sensor 907 may comprise a sensor array including, for example, a positioning sensor, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, and the like. Microphone 908 converts sounds sent to the smartphone 900 into audio signals. The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects a touch on the display screen 910, a keypad, keyboard, buttons, switches, and the like to receive operations or information entered by a user. The display 910 comprises a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), and displays the output images of the smartphone 900. The loudspeaker 911 converts the audio signals output from the smartphone 900 into sounds.

The wireless radio interface 913 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and communicates on a wireless LAN. The wireless interface 913 can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point in infrastructure mode. In addition, the air interface 913 can directly communicate with other devices in a direct communication mode such as ad hoc mode, Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) mode, and the like. Wi-Fi Direct is different from ad hoc mode and thus one of the two terminals acts as an access point. However, communication takes place directly between terminals. Radio interface 913 may typically include, for example, a baseband processor, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, power amplifier, and so on. The radio interface 913 may be a single-chip integrated memory module that stores the communication control program, the processor executing the program, and associated circuitry. The air interface 913 may support other types of wireless communication schemes such as a cellular communication system, a short-range wireless communication system, or a near-field communication system in addition to a wireless LAN scheme. Antenna switch 914 switches the antenna destination connection 915 between a plurality of circuits (eg, circuits for other wireless communication systems) contained within the air interface 913. Antenna 915 has a single antenna element or multiple antenna elements (eg, multiple antenna elements forming a MIMO antenna) and is used to transmit and receive radio signals via the 913 radio interface.

Note that the smartphone 900 may include multiple antennas (eg, antennas for a wireless LAN or antennas for a near field wireless communication scheme, etc.), not limited to the example shown in FIG. 20. In this case, the antenna switch 914 can be excluded from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

Bus 917 connects processor 901, memory 902, memory 903, external connection interface 904, camera 906, sensor 907, microphone 908, input device 909, display 910, loudspeaker 911, radio interface 913, and auxiliary controller 919. Battery 918 provides power to each of the smartphone units 900 shown in FIG. 20, through the supply lines, which are partially indicated in the drawing by dotted lines. The sub controller 919 controls the minimum required functions of the smartphone 900, such as in standby mode.

In the smartphone 900 shown in FIG. 20, processing unit 110, wireless communication unit 120, and control unit 130, described with reference to FIG. 8 may be implemented using the radio interface 913. Additionally, at least some of the functions may be implemented by the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919. For example, the control unit 130 transmits the first signal to the data processing unit 110 and the wireless communication unit 120 based on the parameter related to detection sensitivity or transmitted power. As a result, since when it is confirmed whether or not transmission corresponding to the detection sensitivity or transmission power is possible, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication collision if the smartphone 900 and the other wireless communication device differ in detection sensitivity or transmission power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in communication efficiency in a situation where there are many wireless communication devices having different detection sensitivity or transmission power.

The smartphone 900 can act as a wireless access point (software AP) when the processor 901 acts as an application layer access point. The radio interface 913 may have a wireless access point function.

7-2. Second application example

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an example circuit configuration of an automotive navigation device 920 to which the technology of the present disclosure may be applied. The car navigation device 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a global positioning system (GPS) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, a storage media interface 928, an input device 929, a display 930, a speaker 931, a radio interface 933, antenna switch 934, antenna 935 and battery 938.

The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or SoC, and control the navigation function and other functions of the car navigation device 920. The memory 922 contains RAM and ROM and stores programs executed by the processor 921 and data.

The GPS module 924 measures the position of the vehicle navigation device 920 (eg, latitude, longitude, and altitude) using GPS signals received from the GPS satellite. The sensor 925 may include a sensor array including, for example, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a barometric sensor, and the like. The data interface 926 connects to the vehicle's on-board network 941, for example, via a terminal not shown to receive data generated on the vehicle side, such as vehicle speed data.

The content player 927 reproduces content stored on a storage medium (such as a CD or DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928. Input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects touch on a display screen 930, buttons, switches, and the like to receive operations or information entered by a user. Display 930 includes a screen, such as an LCD or OLED screen, to display images of a navigation function or playable content. Loudspeaker 931 outputs the sounds of the navigation function or the content being played.

The radio interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad to communicate in a wireless LAN. The 933 radio interface can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point in infrastructure mode. In addition, the 933 radio interface can directly communicate with other devices in a direct mode such as ad hoc mode, Wi-Fi Direct mode, and the like. The radio interface 933 may typically comprise a baseband processor, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, power amplifier, etc. The radio interface 933 can be a single-chip module with integrated memory that stores a communication control program, a processor executing the program, and associated circuitry. The air interface 933 may support other kinds of wireless communication schemes such as a short-range wireless communication scheme, a near-field wireless communication scheme, or a cellular communication scheme, in addition to a wireless LAN scheme. Antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of antenna 935 for a variety of circuits contained in radio interface 933. Antenna 935 has a single antenna element or multiple antenna elements and is used to transmit and receive radio signals via air interface 933.

Note that in-car navigation device 920 may include multiple antennas, but is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 21. In this case, the antenna switch 934 can be excluded from the configuration of the car navigation device 920.

Battery 938 provides power to each of the in-car navigation units 920 shown in FIG. 21, through the supply lines, which are partially indicated in the drawing by dotted lines. In addition, the battery 938 stores energy from the vehicle.

In the car navigation device 920 shown in FIG. 21, data processing unit 110, wireless communication unit 120, and control unit 130 described above with reference to FIG. 8 may be implemented using air interface 933. Additionally, at least some of the functions may be implemented by processor 921. For example, control unit 130 transmits a first signal to processing unit 110 and wireless communication unit 120 based on a parameter associated with sensitivity detection or transmitted power. As a result, since it is confirmed that transmission is possible or not possible according to the detection sensitivity or transmission power, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication collisions if the vehicle navigation device 920 and the other wireless communication device differ in detection sensitivity or transmission power. Therefore, the communication efficiency can be prevented from decreasing in a situation where there are many wireless communication devices having different detection sensitivity or transmission power.

Additionally, air interface 933 can act as device 200 and provide a wireless connection to a terminal owned by a user roaming the vehicle. In this case, for example, the wireless communication apparatus 200 sets a parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power for the terminal belonging to the user and controls the transmission of the first signal based on the set parameter. As a result, by having a plurality of terminals belonging to a user, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication collision even when the terminals differ in detection sensitivity or transmission power. Therefore, the communication efficiency can be prevented from decreasing in a situation where there are many wireless communication devices having different detection sensitivity or transmission power.

The technology of the present disclosure may be implemented as an on-board automotive system (or vehicle) 940 comprising one or more blocks of the above-described vehicle navigation device 920, a vehicle on-board network 941, and a vehicle module 942. The vehicle module 942 generates vehicle data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, or fault information, and outputs the generated data to the vehicle on-board network 941.

7-3. Third application example

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an example circuit configuration of a wireless access point 950 to which the technology associated with the present disclosure may be applied. Wireless access point 950 includes controller 951, memory 952, input device 954, display 955, network interface 957, radio interface 963, antenna switch 964, and antenna 965.

The 951 controller can be, for example, a CPU or digital signal processor (DSP) and control various functions (such as access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall and registration control) at the Internet Protocol (IP) layer and higher layers of the wireless access point 950 ... Memory 952 contains RAM and ROM and stores programs executed by controller 951 and various kinds of control data (eg, terminal list, routing table, encryption key, security settings and records).

Input device 954 includes, for example, buttons or switches and receives operations from a user. Display 955 includes, for example, an LED lamp or the like. displays the operating status of the wireless access point 950.

Network interface 957 is a wired communication interface for connecting a wireless access point 950 to a wired communication network 958. The network interface 957 can have multiple connection terminals. The wired communications network 958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or wide area network (WAN).

The 963 radio interface supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad to provide a wireless connection to a nearby terminal as an access point. The radio interface 963 may typically comprise a baseband processor, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, power amplifier, etc. The radio interface 963 can be a single-chip module with integrated memory that stores a communication control program, a processor executing the program, and associated circuitry. Antenna switch 964 switches the connection destination of antenna 965 for a variety of circuits contained in air interface 963. Antenna 965 has a single antenna element or multiple antenna elements and is used to transmit and receive radio signals via air interface 963.

At wireless access point 950 shown in FIG. 22, data processing unit 210, wireless communication unit 220, and control unit 230 described above with reference to FIG. 8 may be implemented using air interface 963. At least some of the functions may be implemented in controller 951. For example, communication control unit 230 sets a parameter related to detection sensitivity or transmit power for a terminal belonging to a user and controls the transmission of the first signal using the data processing unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 220 based on the set parameter. As a result, with a plurality of terminals connected to the wireless access point 950, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication collisions even when the terminals differ in detection sensitivity or transmission power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in communication efficiency in a situation where there are many wireless communication devices having different detection sensitivity or transmission power.

8. Conclusion

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is confirmed whether transmission is possible or not possible according to the detection sensitivity, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication collision when wireless communication devices differ in detection sensitivity. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in communication efficiency in a situation where there are many wireless communication devices having different detection sensitivities. In particular, when the detection sensitivity is changed, the certainty of preventing communication collision can be increased while increasing the utilization rate of the wireless communication resource space.

Additionally, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is confirmed that transmission is possible or not possible according to the detection sensitivity, it is possible to more reliably prevent communication collision if the wireless communication devices differ in transmission power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the communication efficiency in a situation where there are many wireless communication devices having different transmission powers. In particular, when the transmission power is changed, the certainty of preventing communication collision can be improved while increasing the utilization rate of the wireless communication resource space.

According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission of the first signal is controlled in accordance with a parameter related to the detection sensitivity received from another wireless communication device, and thus it is possible to adapt the control of the transmission of the first signal to a change in the relative ratio of the detection sensitivity. Therefore, communication conflict can be more easily prevented.

According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, transmission of the first signal is controlled in accordance with a parameter related to transmission power received from another wireless communication device, and thus, transmission control of the first signal can be adapted to a change in the relative transmission power ratio. Therefore, communication conflict can be more easily prevented.

Those of skill in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and variations can be made, depending on design requirements and other factors of any kind, within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

For example, in the above embodiments, a notification indicating a parameter related to transmission power is provided from the AP 200, but the present technology is not limited to this example. For example, a parameter related to transmit power may be detected in a signal transmitted from another STA 100. For example, STA 100 receives a frame containing a header that stores a parameter related to transmission power (for example, a physical layer (PHY) header) and obtains a parameter related to transmission power from the received frame.

Additionally, the wireless communication device 100 can perform transmission control of the first signal based on the above parameters corresponding to the density of the surrounding devices. For example, when a predetermined number of other wireless devices exist around the wireless communication device 100, the wireless communication device 100 includes control of the transmission of the RTS frame based on a parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power. Therefore, the result of the transmission control of the first signal based on the parameter improves as the number of surrounding devices increases. For example, the result is stimulated in a stage or the like in which there are many people having the wireless communication device 100.

Additionally, the results described herein are merely illustrative or exemplary results and are not intended to be limiting. That is, in conjunction with or instead of the results described above, the technology in accordance with the present disclosure may achieve other results based on the description provided herein and understood by those skilled in the art.

Additionally, the steps shown in the flowcharts for the above embodiments include not only processes performed in chronological order in the order described, but also processes not necessarily performed in chronological order, but in parallel or individually. Additionally, it should be understood that even if the steps are performed in chronological order, the order may change appropriately depending on the circumstances.

Additionally, it is also possible to create a computer program for causing the hardware installed on the wireless communication devices 100 and 200 to perform functions equivalent to those of the functional configurations of the wireless communication devices 100 and 200. Additionally, a storage medium is also provided containing a computer program stored thereon.

Additionally, the present technology can also be carried out as described below.

(1) A wireless communication device comprising:

an obtaining unit, configured to obtain a parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power; and

a transmission unit configured to transmit a first signal associated with confirming that transmission is possible based on the received parameter.

(2) The wireless communication device according to (1), wherein the parameter contains a parameter set in the wireless communication device.

(3) The wireless communication apparatus of (2), wherein the transmitting unit transmits the first signal when the parameter associated with the detection sensitivity is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

(4) The wireless communication apparatus of (2) or (3), wherein the transmitting unit transmits the first signal when the parameter associated with the transmit power is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

(5) The wireless communication device according to any one of paragraphs. (1) - (4), in which the parameter contains the parameter received from another device of the wireless device other than the wireless device.

(6) The wireless communication device according to (5), wherein the transmitting unit transmits the first signal when the parameter associated with the detection sensitivity received from the other wireless communication device is less than a threshold value.

(7) The wireless communication apparatus of (5) or (6), wherein the transmitting unit transmits the first signal when the parameter associated with the transmit power received from the other wireless communication apparatus is less than a threshold.

(8) The wireless communication device according to any one of paragraphs. (1) - (7), in which the transmitting unit transmits the first signal based on a parameter set in the wireless communication device and a parameter received from another wireless communication device other than the wireless communication device.

(9) The wireless communication apparatus of (8), wherein the transmitting unit transmits the first signal when the difference between a parameter related to the detection sensitivity set in the wireless communication device and a parameter related to the detection sensitivity received from the other wireless communication device communication is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

(10) The wireless communication device according to (8) or (9), wherein the transmitting unit transmits the first signal when the difference between a parameter related to transmission power set in the wireless communication device and a parameter related to transmission power received from another wireless device is equal to or greater than the threshold.

(11) The wireless communication device according to any one of paragraphs. (5) - (10), in which the transmitting unit transmits a signal containing information indicating a parameter set in the wireless communication device.

(12) The wireless communication device according to any one of paragraphs. (2) - (11), wherein the parameter threshold for transmitting the first signal comprises a threshold received from another wireless communication device other than the wireless communication device.

(13) The wireless communication device according to any one of paragraphs. (1) - (12), in which the transmitting unit transmits the first signal based on the parameter change.

(14) The wireless communication device according to any one of paragraphs. (1) - (13), in which the parameter variation comprises a correlation variation of a parameter associated with detection sensitivity and a parameter associated with transmission power, and

the transmitting unit transmits the first signal based on a plurality of threshold values for a parameter related to detection sensitivity or a parameter related to transmission power.

(15) The wireless communication device according to any one of paragraphs. (1) - (14), wherein the parameter associated with the detection sensitivity comprises at least a signal detection threshold or an energy detection threshold.

(16) The wireless communication device according to any one of paragraphs. (1) - (15), in which the first signal contains a request to send a frame (RTS).

(17) The wireless communications apparatus of (16), wherein the transmitting unit transmits an RTS frame based on a length of data to be transmitted and a parameter.

(18) A method for wireless communication, comprising the steps of:

obtaining by the processor a parameter related to the detection sensitivity or the transmission power; and

transmitting by the processor a first signal associated with a confirmation that transmission is possible based on the received parameter.

(19) An electronic device containing:

circuit made with the possibility

determining the first parameter corresponding to the length or duration of the data to be transmitted by the electronic device;

determining if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value;

controlling the radio interface of the electronic device to transmit a data transmission request when the parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold;

obtaining a second parameter related to detection sensitivity or transmission power; and

determining, when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold, whether to transmit a data transmission request before transmitting data based on the second parameter.

(20) The electronic device of (19), wherein the circuit is configured to receive a second parameter when the first parameter has not exceeded a predetermined threshold.

(21) An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs. (19) - (20), in which the first parameter corresponds to the length of the data to be transmitted by the electronic device.

(22) An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs. (19) - (21), in which the second parameter is related to the detection sensitivity of the signal of the electronic device.

(23) The electronic device of (22), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when the second parameter exceeds a second predetermined threshold.

(24) An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs. (21) - (22), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit data without transmitting a data transmission request when the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold.

(25) An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs. (19) - (23), wherein the circuit is configured to transmit data after receiving a Clear to Send (CTS) ready to receive when it is decided to send a data transmission request before transmitting data.

(26) An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs. (19) - (25), in which the second parameter is associated with a change in the detection sensitivity of the signal of the electronic device.

(27) The electronic device of (26), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when the second parameter indicates that the detection sensitivity of the electronic device signal has decreased.

(28) An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs. (26) - (27), in which the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when the second parameter indicates that the detection sensitivity of the electronic device signal has dropped below a second predetermined threshold.

(29) An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs. (26) - (20), in which the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit data without transmitting a data transmission request when the second parameter indicates that the detection sensitivity of the electronic device has improved.

(30) The electronic device of (26), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit data without transmitting a data transfer request when the second parameter indicates that the detection sensitivity of the electronic device has increased above a second predetermined threshold.

(31) An electronic device according to any one of paragraphs. (19) - (25), in which the second parameter is related to the transmission power of the signal of the electronic device.

(32) The electronic device of claim (31), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when the second parameter exceeds a second predetermined threshold.

(33) The electronic device of (31), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit data without transmitting a data transmission request when the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold.

(34) The electronic device of (31), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when the second parameter exceeds a second predetermined threshold.

(35) The electronic device of (34), wherein the circuit is configured to compare a parameter to a third predetermined threshold when it is determined that the parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold.

(36) The electronic device of (35), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when the second parameter is less than a third predetermined threshold.

(37) The electronic device of (35), wherein the circuit is configured to control the air interface to transmit data without transmitting a data transmission request when the second parameter is greater than a third predetermined threshold.

(38) The electronic device of claim (21), wherein the circuit is configured to:

determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic device; and control the air interface to transmit data without sending a request

data transmission when it is determined that the second parameter has not been received from another electronic device.

(39) The electronic device of claim (21), wherein the circuit is configured to:

determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic device;

control, the radio interface to transmit a data transmission request when the second parameter is less than the second predetermined threshold value, if it is determined that the second parameter has been received from another electronic device; and

transmitting, when it is determined that the second parameter has been received from another electronic device, data without transmitting a transmit request when the second parameter is greater than the second predetermined threshold.

(40) The electronic device of claim (31), wherein the circuit is configured to:

determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic device; and control the air interface to transmit data without sending a request

data transmission when it is determined that the second parameter has not been received from another electronic device.

(41) The electronic device of claim (31), wherein the circuit is configured to:

determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic device;

controlling the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold value if it is determined that the second parameter has been received from another electronic device; and

transmitting data without transmitting a transmit request when it is determined that the second parameter has been received from another electronic device if the second parameter is greater than a second predetermined threshold.

(42) The electronic device of claim (19), wherein the circuit is configured to:

receiving a signal indicating the detection sensitivity threshold from another electronic device via a radio interface; and

setting a signal detection sensitivity threshold based on a signal received from another electronic device indicating the signal detection sensitivity threshold.

(43) The electronic device of claim (21), wherein the circuit is configured to:

determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic device; and

controlling the air interface to transmit data without transmitting a data transfer request when it is determined that the second parameter has not been received from another electronic device and the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold value.

(44) The electronic device of claim (21), wherein the circuit is configured to:

determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic device; and

control the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when it is determined that the second parameter has not been received from another electronic device and the second parameter is greater than the second predetermined threshold value.

(45) The electronic device of claim (21), wherein the circuit is configured to:

determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic device;

calculating the difference between the detection sensitivity of the signal of the electronic device and the second parameters obtained from the other electronic device;

control the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when the difference is greater than a second predetermined threshold.

(46) The electronic device of claim (21), wherein the circuit is configured to:

determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic device;

calculating the difference between the detection sensitivity of the signal of the electronic device and the second parameters obtained from the other electronic device;

controlling the air interface to transmit a data transmission request when it is determined that the difference is less than a second predetermined threshold value and the detection sensitivity of an electronic device signal is greater than a third predetermined threshold value; and

controlling the air interface to transmit data without transmitting a data transmission request when it is determined that the difference is less than a second predetermined threshold and the detection sensitivity of the electronic device signal is less than a third predetermined threshold.

(47) A method performed by an electronic device, wherein said method comprises the steps of:

identify that the data is awaiting transmission on the electronic device;

determine the first parameter corresponding to the length of the data to be transmitted by the electronic device;

determine if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value;

wirelessly transmit a data transmission request when the parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value;

obtaining a second parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power;

decide to send a data transmission request before data transmission based on the second parameter, in the case where the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold value.

(48) An electronic device, comprising: a circuit capable of

determining the first parameter corresponding to the length or duration of the data to be transmitted by the electronic device;

determining if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value;

controlling the radio interface of the electronic device to transmit a data transmission request when the parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold;

obtaining a second parameter related to detection sensitivity or transmission power;

determining, when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold, whether to transmit a data transmission request before transmitting data based on the second parameter;

receiving, via the wireless interface, a data transmission request from another electronic device;

transmitting a ready-to-receive signal to another electronic device in response to receiving a data transfer request from the other electronic device; and

receiving data from another electronic device after transmitting a ready-to-receive signal to another electronic device.

(49) A device containing:

a buffer configured to store data to be transmitted by the electronic device;

a circuit configured to determine a first parameter corresponding to the length or duration of the data stored in the buffer; and

memory configured to store a predetermined threshold value corresponding to the first parameter, in which

the circuit is made with the ability:

obtaining a predetermined threshold value corresponding to the first parameter from the memory of the electronic device;

determining if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value;

controlling the radio interface of the electronic device to transmit a data transmission request when the parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold;

obtaining a second parameter related to detection sensitivity or transmission power; and

determining, when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold, whether to transmit a data transmission request before transmitting data based on the second parameter.

List of reference positions

100, 200 - Wireless device, STA

110, 210 - Data processing unit

120, 220 - Wireless communication unit

130, 230 - Control unit

140, 240 - Memory block

Claims (84)

1. An electronic device for wireless communication, containing a circuit capable of: determining a first parameter corresponding to the length or duration of data to be transmitted by the electronic wireless communication device; determining if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value; controlling the wireless interface of the electronic wireless communication device to transmit a request to send data when the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; obtaining a second parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power of the electronic wireless communication device; and determining, when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, whether to transmit a data send request before transmitting data based on the second parameter. 2. The electronic wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to obtain a second parameter when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold value. 3. The electronic wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the first parameter corresponds to the length of data to be transmitted by the electronic wireless communication device. 4. The electronic wireless communications device of claim 1, wherein the second parameter relates to the detection sensitivity of the electronic device signal. 5. The electronic wireless communications apparatus of claim 4, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit a send data request when the second parameter exceeds a second predetermined threshold. 6. The electronic wireless communications device of claim 3, wherein the circuit is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold. 7. The electronic wireless communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to transmit data after receiving a clear to send (CTS) when it is determined to transmit a data send request before transmitting data. 8. The electronic wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the second parameter relates to a change in the detection sensitivity of the electronic wireless communication device signal. 9. The electronic wireless communications device of claim 8, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit a send data request when the second parameter indicates that the signal detection sensitivity of the electronic wireless communications device has decreased. 10. The electronic wireless communications apparatus of claim 8, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit a send data request when the second parameter indicates that the signal detection sensitivity of the electronic wireless communications apparatus has dropped below a second predetermined threshold. 11. The electronic wireless communications device of claim 8, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when the second parameter indicates that the detection sensitivity of the electronic wireless communications device has improved. 12. The electronic wireless communications device of claim 8, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when the second parameter indicates that the detection sensitivity of the electronic wireless communications device has increased above a second predetermined threshold. 13. The electronic wireless communications device of claim 1, wherein the second parameter relates to the signal transmission power of the electronic wireless communications device. 14. The electronic wireless communications apparatus of claim 13, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit a send data request when the second parameter exceeds a second predetermined threshold. 15. The electronic wireless communications device of claim 13, wherein the circuit is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold. 16. The electronic wireless communications apparatus of claim 13, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit a send data request when the second parameter exceeds a second predetermined threshold. 17. The electronic wireless communications device of claim 16, wherein the circuitry is configured to compare the second parameter to a third predetermined threshold when the second parameter is determined to be less than the second predetermined threshold. 18. The electronic wireless communications apparatus of claim 17, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit a send data request when the second parameter is less than a third predetermined threshold. 19. The electronic wireless communications apparatus of claim 17, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when the second parameter is greater than a third predetermined threshold. 20. An electronic wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein the circuit is configured to: determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic wireless communication device; and managing the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when it is determined that the second parameter has not been received from said other electronic wireless communication device. 21. The electronic wireless communication device of claim 3, wherein the circuit is configured to: determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic wireless communication device; controlling the wireless interface to transmit a request to send data when the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold when it is determined that the second parameter has been received from said other electronic wireless communication device; and transmitting data without transmitting a send data request when it is determined that a second parameter has been received from said other electronic wireless communication device when the second parameter is greater than a second predetermined threshold. 22. The electronic wireless communication device of claim 13, wherein the circuit is configured to: determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic wireless communication device; and controlling the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when it is determined that the second parameter has not been received from another electronic wireless communication device. 23. The electronic wireless communication device of claim 13, wherein the circuit is configured to: determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic wireless communication device; controlling the wireless interface to transmit a request to send data when the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold when it is determined that the second parameter has been received from said other electronic wireless communication device; and transmitting data without transmitting a send data request when the second parameter is greater than a second predetermined threshold when it is determined that the second parameter has been received from said other electronic wireless communication device. 24. An electronic wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to: receiving a signal indicating a signal detection sensitivity threshold from another electronic wireless communication device via a wireless interface; and setting a signal detection sensitivity threshold based on a signal received from said other electronic wireless communication device indicating the signal detection sensitivity threshold. 25. The electronic wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein the circuit is configured to: determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic wireless communication device; and controlling the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when it is determined that the second parameter has not been received from said other electronic wireless communication device and the second parameter is less than a second predetermined threshold value. 26. An electronic wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein the circuit is configured to: determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic wireless communication device; and controlling the wireless interface to transmit a send data request when it is determined that the second parameter has not been received from another electronic wireless communication device and the second parameter is greater than a second predetermined threshold value. 27. An electronic wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein the circuit is configured to: determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic wireless communication device; calculating a difference between a detection sensitivity of a signal of an electronic wireless communication device and a second parameter obtained from said other electronic wireless communication device; controlling the wireless interface to transmit a request to send data when the specified difference is greater than a second predetermined threshold. 28. An electronic wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein the circuit is configured to: determining if the second parameter is received from another electronic wireless communication device; calculating a difference between a detection sensitivity of a signal of an electronic wireless communication device and a second parameter obtained from said other electronic wireless communication device; controlling the wireless interface to transmit a request to send data when it is determined that the specified difference is less than a second predetermined threshold value, and the detection sensitivity of the electronic wireless communication device signal is greater than a third predetermined threshold value; and controlling the wireless interface to transmit data without transmitting a send data request when it is determined that the difference is less than a second predetermined threshold and the detection sensitivity of the electronic wireless communication device signal is less than a third predetermined threshold. 29. A wireless communication method performed by an electronic wireless communication device, the method comprising the steps of: identify that the data is awaiting transmission on the electronic wireless communication device; determining a first parameter corresponding to the length of data to be transmitted by the electronic wireless communication device; determine if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value; wirelessly transmitting a request to send data when the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; obtaining a second parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power of the electronic wireless communication device; determine to send a request to send data before transmitting data based on the second parameter in the case when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold value. 30. Electronic device for wireless communication, containing a circuit capable of: determining a first parameter corresponding to the length or duration of data to be transmitted by the electronic wireless communication device; determining if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value; controlling the wireless interface of the electronic device to transmit a request to send data when the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; obtaining a second parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power of the electronic wireless communication device; determining, when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, whether to transmit a data send request before transmitting data based on the second parameter; receiving, via the wireless interface, a request to send data from another electronic wireless communication device; transmitting a ready-to-receive signal to another electronic wireless communication device in response to receiving a send data request from the other electronic wireless communication device; and receiving data from said other electronic wireless communication device after transmitting a ready-to-receive signal to the other electronic wireless communication device. 31. A wireless communication device, comprising: a buffer configured to store data to be transmitted by the electronic wireless communication device; a circuit configured to determine a first parameter corresponding to the length or duration of the data stored in the buffer; and memory configured to store a predetermined threshold value corresponding to the first parameter, while the circuit is made with the ability: obtaining a predetermined threshold value corresponding to the first parameter from the memory of the electronic wireless communication device; determining if the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value; controlling the wireless interface of the electronic wireless communication device to transmit a request to send data when the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; obtaining a second parameter related to the detection sensitivity or transmission power of the electronic wireless communication device; and determining, when the first parameter does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, whether to transmit a data send request before transmitting data based on the second parameter.

Images